Mt Isa is like no other city I’ve been to. This is the view coming in to town. The smoke stack and buildings you see are the mine. And the town goes right to the edge of the mine. Here’s the view from the lookout in the middle of town. You can see how close …
Author Archives: michellefitzgibbon
Good Aussie Culture
I called in at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. And that’s all I did, call in. I was a little worried about the time I was taking to head west. I’d lost a bit of time earlier with the need to duck back home for a week, so I decided to race through some sections …
Sculpture Trail – Barcaldine
There is a Sculpture Trail of approximately 200 kilometres in the Barcaldine region. Due to the road conditions and time-frame, I only completed the Aramac to Lake Dunn section. this is an enjoyable drive, and had time permitted Lake Dunn would have been a great place to spend the night. Here’s a photo record of …
And the walls came tumbling down!
But it’s not only about that… You may be aware of the biblical story of Joshua and Jericho. As instructed by God, Joshua led the Israelites around the city of Jericho daily for 6 days. On the seventh day the Israelites circled the city seven times, the priests blew their trumpets, the army roared, and …
Barcaldine
Barcaldine is a small town in Queensland’s central west with a big claim to fame. In 1891 the Great Shearers Strike took place. Over 1000 local shearers went on strike for four months demanding better conditions from the pastoralists, and the recognition of unionism. Many meetings were held under the shade of the tree outside …
Lara Wetlands
Lara Wetlands is a lovely spot about 30 km south of Barcaldine. Thirteen kilometres of good dirt (sandy) road brings you to this man-made oasis. The large lake is 2′ deep throughout, and the many dead trees and swampy edges provide habitat for a variety of bird life. With free use of the canoes and …
When is a Kite not a Kite?
When it’s a bird! When you’re travelling through the outback you see a lot of birds. Some are more easily seen than others. The most prolific bird seems to be the crow, scavenging from the ever present road kill. Another bird which captures attention is the Kite. This majestic bird is truly a sight to …
My second-favourite poem
After an unanticipated return home for a week, I’m now back on the road. I’ve done some long days to get back to where I was, As I was driving I came across a (dry) river crossing. The next town was Blackall, where I saw this sign. So of course, I had to stay. Although …
The view from my bed…
What a beautiful place. Free camp by donation, flushing toilets and hot shower. AND all this…
There’s a certain stench in the air
There’s a certain stench in the air. I have never seen so many dead kangaroos in my life. The road from Dirranbandi to St George in south west Queensland is littered with them. I tried counting for a kilometre, my conservative estimate was 45. Driving this road inovolves cutting and weaving the carcasses. They’re not …
This Is How I Roll 